Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is rated as 10 percent disabling since April 18, 2013. The appeal for a higher rating prior to that date is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and its incurrence or aggravation during such service may not be presumed.

The Veteran's hearing loss and joint pain are not related to service, but his tinnitus is related. The Veteran is found unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been denied as the evidence does not show that he is entitled to a rating in excess of 40 percent prior to July 5, 2012, and in excess of 70 percent from July 5, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and earlier effective date for his right ear hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the May 2008 denial of a higher initial rating became final, and any subsequent claims were freestanding.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to have had their onset during active duty service due to combat noise exposure, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, arthritis of the hips, arthritis of the knees, a sinus disability, a low back disability, and headaches. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled hearing. The case will be handled in an expeditious manner.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and cerebrovascular accident were denied as there was no confirmed exposure to herbicide agents during service, no in-service injury or disease related to these conditions, and the current disabilities are not causally related to service.

The Veteran requested the withdrawal of his appeal, specifically to include all issues identified on the title page of this decision and his request for a Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted, but his bilateral hearing loss disability and skin disorder of the feet claims are pending as there is insufficient evidence to establish a current disability for VA purposes.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper development of the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and right ear hearing loss are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure, giving rise to a reasonable doubt. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected left ear hearing loss and service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability were withdrawn. The Veteran was granted service connection for a lung disability, bilateral interstitial fibrosis consistent with asbestosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his period of active service, including exposure to acoustic trauma from driving a Gama Goat vehicle.

The Board found no evidence of right ear hearing loss during service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The left ear hearing loss was also not granted a compensable rating.